PRE-OPERATIVE CONSULTATION

Before deciding on CO2 laser treatment, you must meet with our surgeon for a pre-consultation. During this meeting, you will discuss your expectations, and the surgeon will evaluate what will yield the best results for you.

You will also receive a thorough overview of your options, and the risks associated with each surgical option. The surgeon will ask about your health to ensure you are suitable for surgery.

Based on your expectations and the surgeon’s recommendations, you will plan your surgery together. You are welcome to bring another person to the pre-consultation, as there is a lot of information to consider.

According to the law, you must have a 7-day reflection period after the pre-consultation before you can give your final consent to cosmetic surgery.



EXPECTATIONS

CO2 laser treatment is a highly effective procedure for reducing wrinkles, sun damage, scars, and other skin imperfections. The laser removes the outer layers of damaged skin, allowing new, healthier skin to grow. The treatment also stimulates collagen production, which improves skin texture and firmness over time.

It is important to be aware that the results of cosmetic surgery are not permanent. The natural aging process and the rate of body aging are influenced by both genetic factors and lifestyle factors such as smoking, sun exposure, and weight changes.

Additionally, it is important to understand that surgery always carries a risk of complications, and the result may not always match your or the surgeon’s expectations completely. If you are significantly overweight or underweight, there is an increased risk of complications with anesthesia and wound healing. If your BMI is over 30, we may not be able to offer you surgery.

PREPARATION

Before the treatment, you should:

Stop taking medication containing acetylsalicylic acid such as Magnyl, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and Treo one week before the surgery.

Avoid natural medicines, especially fish oil, ginger, and vitamin D, as they can increase the risk of bleeding. Stop all natural medicines three weeks before the surgery.

Any blood-thinning medication may need to be paused. This will be discussed with the surgeon during the pre-consultation.

Smoking must be paused least 4 weeks before and 6 weeks after the surgery. Smoking can negatively affect the cosmetic outcome, increase the risk of infection, and is generally bad for your health. We often choose not to offer surgery to active smokers.



ANESTHESIA

Depending on the extent of the treatment area, CO2 laser treatment can be performed with either local anesthesia or under general anesthesia. You will discuss your anesthesia options with the doctor during the pre-examination. If general anesthesia is chosen, you will need to fast for 6 hours before the treatment. You may drink water or a small amount of clear juice up to 2 hours before the procedure.

It is very important that you follow the fasting rules, as it can be dangerous to anesthetize you if you are not fasting, and the surgery will have to be canceled



TREATMENT

On the day of the procedure, you will arrive at the clinic at the agreed time, where a nurse will greet you. You will be shown to the preparation area, and if required, an intravenous drip will be placed in your hand for sedation or anesthesia. The doctor will review the procedure with you and ensure you feel comfortable and well-informed before beginning.

If the treatment is performed under local anesthesia, the skin should be covered with a good layer of EMLA cream at least 1 hour before the procedure starts. This cream can be purchased over-the-counter at the pharmacy. The doctor will remove/wash off the cream immediately before the laser treatment begins.

The CO2 laser treatment involves precise removal of the outer layers of the skin. Depending on the severity of the condition being treated, the laser may penetrate deeper layers of the skin. The duration of the procedure depends on the size of the treatment area.

After the treatment, the skin will be red, swollen, and may ooze for several days. A protective ointment or dressing may be applied to the treated area.



AFTER THE SURGERY

After the treatment, you will be monitored in the recovery room for a short period. You will receive detailed aftercare instructions to ensure optimal healing. You cannot drive home yourself, so it is advisable to arrange for someone to pick you up.

DAYS AFTER THE TREATMENT

For the first few days after the procedure, it’s important to avoid sun exposure, heat, and strenuous activity. Keep the skin well-moisturized and follow all aftercare instructions provided by the clinic.



PAIN

CO2 laser treatment can cause discomfort similar to a sunburn, with redness and swelling lasting for several days to weeks, depending on the depth of the treatment. You may be prescribed pain medication to manage any discomfort. It is essential to take the medication as instructed to reduce inflammation and promote healing.



ACTIVITY

Avoid any activities that could increase swelling or irritation, such as exercise, bending forward, or exposing the treated skin to heat. You should also avoid any skincare products that may irritate the skin until it has healed completely.



WORK

Depending on the extent of the treatment, you may need to take 1-2 weeks off work, especially if your job involves sun exposure or physical labor. Sedentary work may be resumed sooner but be prepared for redness and swelling to persist for some time.



SLEEPING POSITION

You should sleep on your back with your head elevated for the first few days to minimize swelling. Use extra pillows to keep your head above heart level.



BATHING

You may gently clean your face after 24-48 hours, as instructed by your doctor. Avoid harsh scrubbing, and instead, use gentle movements to cleanse the skin. Pat dry with a clean towel and apply any ointments or dressings provided.



CREAM AND MAKEUP

Avoid applying makeup or any cosmetic products until the skin is fully healed. Only use approved moisturizers and skincare products recommended by your doctor during the recovery phase.



SCARS

Scarring after CO2 laser treatment is rare, but in some cases, scars may form if the skin does not heal properly or if post-treatment care is not followed. You may use scar treatment products after the skin has fully healed, as recommended by your doctor.



CONTACT WITH THE CLINIC

At discharge, you will be given a phone number to contact the clinic 24/7 in case of an emergency. Additionally, a nurse will call you the day after your surgery to answer any questions and ensure that you are doing well.



FOLLOW-UP

A follow-up appointment will be scheduled 7-10 days after surgery. During this visit, the nurse will check the healing process and provide further instructions for your recovery. You will also have a follow-up consultation with the surgeon 3-6 months after the procedure to evaluate the results.

COMPLICATIONS

Infection: Infections are very rare. Symptoms typically appear after 3-5 days and include redness, warmth, swelling, throbbing pain, and possibly fever. If an infection occurs, you will be treated with antibiotics.

Hyperpigmentation: Increased pigmentation may occur in treated areas, especially with sun exposure after the procedure. Sunscreen use is essential.

Hypopigmentation: Lightening of the skin may occur in some areas, though this is generally temporary.

Scarring: In rare cases, scarring may develop. Proper aftercare is critical to minimizing this risk.

Prolonged Redness: Redness and swelling may persist for several weeks. This is normal but should subside gradually.

Tissue Death: Means that parts of the skin lose their blood supply and die. If this occurs, it will require surgical removal or waiting for the body to heal the area from within, as assessed by the surgeon. If you are overweight or smoke, there is a higher risk for this.